The Delta Coalition - a diverse group of local politicians, environmentalists, business and farming interests - will host a forum on Monday in the hope of educating both state lawmakers and the general public.

The event, called "The Real Delta Story," is from 10 a.m. to noon at the University of the Pacific Alumni House, 1022 Dave Brubeck Way.

The event is part of a larger effort to reach out to legislators, said Stockton City Councilwoman Kathy Miller, chairwoman of the coalition.

She said the hope is that elected officials will take what they hear at the forum and use it to influence the process in Sacramento.

It's also time for members of the public to be informed now that the tunnels plan, seven years in the making, is almost here, Miller said.

"It's very important for the public to be educated about what this means, who's going to pay for it, and is there a smarter and better way to address our water needs," Miller said.

While a 2012 community forum at the Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium included representation from tunnel supporters, all of the scheduled speakers at Monday's event are Delta advocates and Delta-area legislators.

"I think we're trying to keep this more local," Miller said. "It's a countywide coalition. What we are presenting to our elected officials is our position. We want them to understand not only how we feel but why we feel that way."